Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef March 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Great-Barrier-Reef.dx6061129)[Hotels in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.co.uk/Great-Barrier-Reef-Hotels.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Great Barrier Reef Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Car-Hire-Guide)[Great Barrier Reef Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Great Barrier Reef ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Great Barrier Reef Types of activities Where to stay [Great Barrier Reef travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Great-Barrier-Reef.dx6061129) ![Great Barrier Reef which includes colourful reefs, marine life and scuba diving](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/ab4d2ac1-badb-4946-beac-2ab9b841fa87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/8323ad10-e4f7-4a53-a27b-db2c2888f384.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/db653a87-4c5c-44ef-b5d0-c477bf20e1b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef which includes marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/d1198592-930a-44e5-9aae-ece32404dc1d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef showing general coastal views and coral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/dc553132-64e3-4976-8534-a6222fc414bb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Great Barrier Reef Attractions Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Great Barrier Reef has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Great Barrier Reef, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Great Barrier Reef with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Places of interest in Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Great Barrier Reef, and make it a breeze to explore Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Great Barrier Reef to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit to Great Barrier Reef, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Great Barrier Reef. #### Great Barrier Reef attractions Great Barrier Reef has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Great Barrier Reef to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Great Barrier Reef. Looking for things to do in Great Barrier Reef can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Great Barrier Reef or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Great Barrier Reef attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails! --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Cairns Esplanade The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Esplanade-Cairns-North.d6127785.Attraction) ![Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127785/4d6928c8-cfa7-41e9-ba62-fe6f27b138d5.jpg) ### 2\. Whitehaven Beach Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Whitehaven-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152056.Attraction) ![Whitehaven Beach which includes landscape views, general coastal views and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6152056/7ed99b23-d592-4b5a-94d5-0d2ea1ed2f6d.jpg) ### 3\. Cairns Marlin Marina The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Marlin-Marina-Cairns-Central-Business-District.d553248634340801489.Attraction) ![Cairns Marlin Marina showing a sunset and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/aca6977a-7a1c-40d9-955a-016686b11df5.jpg) ### 4\. Palm Cove Beach Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Cove-Beach-Palm-Cove.d6061139.Attraction) ![Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061139/574cc203-78ff-4692-8a72-d7f7b2caeb98.jpg) ### 5\. Four Mile Beach Four Mile Beach is the main beach in Port Douglas and, as its name suggests, the sandy stretch runs for about four miles (6.5 kilometers). At the southern end of this pristine beach is a mangrove forest and the northern end features a hill with a lookout point, a great place to see the sunrise over the Coral Sea. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Four-Mile-Beach-Port-Douglas.d6047615.Attraction) ![Four Mile Beach which includes tropical scenes, landscape views and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047615/f45949b4-405a-41c2-8de2-8a002d614566.jpg) ### 6\. Airlie Beach Lagoon Airlie Beach Lagoon is a safe and relaxing swimming spot in the heart of the township, where you can play and swim in the clear waters and enjoy the pretty tropical surroundings. Known affectionately to visitors and locals as “the lagoon,” this sheltered man-made pool has been a favored meeting place since 2001 and combines elements of a natural lagoon to create an enticing and secure environment to unwind. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Airlie-Beach-Lagoon-Airlie-Beach.d6283231.Attraction) ![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing a pool, tropical scenes and swimming](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6283231/4b1c74df-8b44-44cf-a2bb-312d86bed5d0.jpg) ### 7\. Port of Airlie Boasting year-round warm weather, subtropical waters, shops, restaurants and accommodations, the Port of Airlie can be seen as a destination in itself, although most visitors come here to take a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Port-Of-Airlie-Airlie-Beach.d553248621592884319.Attraction) ![Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621592884319/46ad77fa-03c7-4310-b0b9-9bc1080de528.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Great Barrier Reef | Number of things to do | 10 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise](/things-to-do/hamilton-island-whitsundays-sunset-dinner-cruise.a50560811.activity-details): £79 | | Top 5 things to do | [Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld](/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-adventure-to-reefworld.a180269.activity-details)[Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel](/things-to-do/whitsundays-whitehaven-beach-day-tour-2-beaches-2-lookouts-1-snorkel-location.a1005501.activity-details)[Whitehaven Beach Purely Whitehaven Day Tour](/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-big-island-day-tour.a48863255.activity-details)[Camira Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure](/things-to-do/camira-whitehaven-beach-sailing-adventure.a180272.activity-details)[Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise](/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-half-day-cruise.a236159.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise](/things-to-do/hamilton-island-whitsundays-sunset-dinner-cruise.a50560811.activity-details) | | With kids | [Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld](/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-adventure-to-reefworld.a180269.activity-details)[Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel](/things-to-do/whitsundays-whitehaven-beach-day-tour-2-beaches-2-lookouts-1-snorkel-location.a1005501.activity-details)[Whitehaven Beach Purely Whitehaven Day Tour](/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-big-island-day-tour.a48863255.activity-details)[Camira Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure](/things-to-do/camira-whitehaven-beach-sailing-adventure.a180272.activity-details)[Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise](/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-half-day-cruise.a236159.activity-details) | ## What to do in Great Barrier Reef --- ### Popular places to visit ![Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127785/4d6928c8-cfa7-41e9-ba62-fe6f27b138d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cairns Esplanade Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Esplanade-Cairns-North.d6127785.Attraction) ![Whitehaven Beach showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6152056/23f4869a-6a0e-4537-be75-68343aa63aec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitehaven Beach Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitehaven-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152056.Attraction) ![Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061139/574cc203-78ff-4692-8a72-d7f7b2caeb98.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Palm Cove Beach Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Palm-Cove-Beach-Palm-Cove.d6061139.Attraction) ![Take a wide angle lens if you're heading out to the Barrier Reef- the skies are amazing!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131595/889a7b40-4935-483a-a3b3-c7932151eba3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Macrossan Street During your visit to Port Douglas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Macrossan-Street-Port-Douglas.d6210818.Attraction) ![Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/f40dd38e-4c9a-458d-b599-d7304acca1e5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cairns Marlin Marina Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Marlin-Marina-Cairns-Central-Business-District.d553248634340801489.Attraction) ![Four Mile Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047615/67dfb39c-7b78-4624-9757-e849703f6d2d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Four Mile Beach One of the most-photographed stretches of beach in Australia has pristine white sands, waving palm trees, clear blue water and spectacular views across the ocean. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Four-Mile-Beach-Port-Douglas.d6047615.Attraction) ![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing a pool, tropical scenes and swimming](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6283231/4b1c74df-8b44-44cf-a2bb-312d86bed5d0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Airlie Beach Lagoon Spend the day with the family enjoying the sheltered waters of Airlie Beach’s own tropical oasis, surrounded by landscaped gardens and grassy picnic areas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Airlie-Beach-Lagoon-Airlie-Beach.d6283231.Attraction) ![Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621592884319/46ad77fa-03c7-4310-b0b9-9bc1080de528.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Port of Airlie This sun-kissed marina is your gateway to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. Sail or drive here to shop or dine with views over the glistering turquoise waters. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Port-Of-Airlie-Airlie-Beach.d553248621592884319.Attraction) ![Catseye Beach showing sailing and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6152060/46abfe24-683c-4ded-a6d1-454626eccaad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Catseye Beach Swim, stroll, try exciting watersports or simply recline under the shade of palm trees and enjoy the views from one of Hamilton Island’s main beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Catseye-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152060.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Great Barrier Reef ![Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/177486/e8103af6-5bdb-41dd-9b23-8b45673a5ba4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Palm Cove Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Palm-Cove.dx177486) ![Cairns which includes a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/716fe001-2c59-4ffe-bc83-f653f7609941.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Cairns Central Business District 4.5/5(69 area reviews) Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Cairns-Central-Business-District.dx6268031) ![Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/12091/18cfccf6-39c1-49ec-9bce-15a058949af1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Trinity Beach Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Trinity-Beach.dx12091) ![The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131529/180ef19c-8f96-4116-a1dd-83cce1df4d64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Cairns North Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Cairns-North.dx6131529) ![Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047619/68758683-7101-43f8-bc20-58667e10ae8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Yorkeys Knob Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Yorkeys-Knob.dx6047619) ![Queens Gardens showing forest scenes and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967683/bdd2acd1-9eb3-4991-88ee-56da0400fb50.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### North Ward North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while you're in town. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Townsville-North-Ward.dx6217111) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app